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England boss Phil Neville will pick Eni Aluko if Chelsea Ladies striker is in form

By Dev Trehan

Last Updated: 25/02/18 6:22pm

Phil Neville says Eni Aluko will be treated 'like any other player'

England head coach Phil Neville says he would have no hesitation in picking Eni Aluko, provided the Chelsea Ladies striker is worthy of a place in his squad.

The 102-cap international last played for the Lionesses in April 2016, and was subject of an apology from the Football Association last year after former coach Mark Sampson was adjudged to have used discriminatory language towards both her and Chelsea team-mate Drew Spence.

Neville confirmed he met Aluko at a game recently and says the door remains very much open for the 31-year-old to resume her international career.

"If she starts scoring goals and is playing well, then she is no different to anyone else," Neville is quoted as saying in The Telegraph

FA executive Kelly Simmons says England's squad are excited by the prospect of playing for six-time Premier League title winner Phil Neville.

FA executive Kelly Simmons says England's squad are excited by the prospect of playing for six-time Premier League title winner Phil Neville.

"First and foremost, is she good enough to play for England? Is she scoring goals and playing well? Those are the first main factors and then you have to look at the bigger picture with who else is in her position - have we got competition for places?

"Ultimately, for me, if she is playing well, she's scoring goals, she will be considered. It is as simple as that."

Neville and his squad departed to the United States on Sunday ahead of the SheBelieves Cup matches against the host nation plus France and Germany. England play France in their tournament-opener in Columbus on Thursday.